Lemon Cypress Hesperocyparis macrocarpa 'Goldcrest'

Lemon Cypress or 'Gold Crest' is a cultivar of the Monterey Cypress, Hesperocyparis macrocarpa, with a narrow, columnar habit and needled evergreen, bright yellow foliage. While Hesperocyparis macrocarpa, the primary species, is one of the largest of the cypress and can reach 80 feet high, a mature 'Goldcrest' would reach a height of 40 feet with a growth rate of about 10 inches a year. Although it shares a name with another cultivar, 'Gold Crest Wilma', the two should not be confused. 'Gold Crest Wilma' is a dwarf cultivar, suitable for containers, slower growing with tighter branching. 

'Gold Crest' tolerates a range of soil pH but needs well-drained soil and thrives in sandy soils. It can be grown in a container, but be sure to water regularly and prune in the spring to control growth. It is an easy to grow plant with bright yellow color and informal habit. It is often grown as a lawn specimen and will stand up to salt wind.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:

Susceptible to cypress aphids and honey fungus. Armillaria, Phytophthora, root rot, and coryneum canker are disease problems.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University

More information on Hesperocyparis macrocarpa.